Safe Potty Training and Socialization in NYC or other urban areas
This is a FAQ answer page for our urban owners - in regards to potty training, socialization, and being careful with their low immune systems in urban areas full of germs that could harm your puppy.
Let me start with this warning - nothing is 100% safe! Puppies can easily get sick, and even an adult dog will get parasites or germs, or maybe even wounded at dog parks or beaches, or anywhere out and about. You can only do your best, while still providing a good training base and ongoing, cautiously fun adventures.
As for walking outside, you will get a variety of opinions. Most vets in your area will tell you to keep him inside at least until his second round of shots. I guess parvo and lepto is prevalent in NYC/Hoboken because of the rats (and, of course, the crazies that don’t vaccinate their dogs). Even adult dogs will pick up roundworms and other parasites from the dog parks, or really just about anywhere - animals put things in their mouths - horses are wormed frequently and dogs should be too! Keep your puppy on monthly heartwormer preventative with parasite control baked into it (Interceptor is one such good brand) for their entire life.
My recommendation is for at least the first two to three weeks, keep him in the tote bag (we provide one) when you go outside - this is great for socialization and once you teach him to stay in it (just keep one arm in it and also put treats - use the puppy food/kibble - on the bottom), it also is a "safe zone" for him to look around and hear the scary ambulances or subway noises without bolting. Put a hand sanitizer on the tote bag that I will give you (the kind with the rubber clip on it) and ask people to put it on before petting him. I used to tell people to go ahead and do whatever, but we did have 2 puppies in those first two litters get a cold and then pneumonia (in NYC) - so now I am much more cautious. Unfortunately, even if they don’t seem stressed, they are, because they are in a new place and don’t know who you are or where their siblings went. So their immune systems drop to nothing the first few weeks of going home with you. You can use a potty tray or wee pads for inside. You can also get a linoleum remnant for $26 or so at Home Depot or Lowes (this is what I do - for every litter, I use a new one - protects my floors) - I put the pen over the linoleum with the crate and the potty tray (or just wee pads), as well toys, etc. - I know it is not pretty to have in a home, but it is only temporary.
Please note, you can do the "Litter pan" with paper or pine pellets option, OR the potty tray. Sometimes they do better with the litter pellets because it smells like grass, but it is a little bit messy sometimes keeping the pellets in the litter pan (which is just an under the bed rubbermaid type thing). Take a look at the Shopping List for the litter options and the potty tray.
Nature's Miracle spray cleaner - amzn.to/2GGKNRL
Nature's Miracle wipes - amzn.to/2E9Ddd2
Even after second vaccinations (they need at least 3 to 4 rounds), still be careful with being outside - no dog parks, beaches, etc. Wash paws and belly upon coming in (remove your shoes too) - carry him in straight to the sink. Some people use wipes or put sanitizer on a wipe - that’s all fine too. You can only do your best - and nothing is 100% perfect solution.
Some worry about the training aspect of potty inside then train outside - these dogs are smart. It always takes awhile to potty train (months), but as long as you keep your expectations in check and don’t sweat doing some clean up, they ALL eventually learn to potty outside. Most will use a grate (like the ones on the trees or subway) because they think it resembles a potty tray - and all of them like the feel of soft grass to pee on. Some people in the city have use fake grass in the pen set up, and then when they were ready to go outside, they take the fake grass outside until the pup learns. Some put real grass sod on their balconies. Most puppies struggle learning to go on pavement - but, it’s amazing how they do adjust and learn. Another tip is to try to have a “spot” immediately near your outside door, so when it is storming, you can run out to that area and he will know to go quick by habit. But, on nice days, do not just rush him back inside after pottying or else he will not do it because you are ruining his fun always going right back in.
And, of course, do not forget to reward, reward, reward - immediately when done pottying (or even during with your voice, "Good boy, good boy!").
A note on socialization with the bag - your puppy might be scared of new people, or loud people, or loud kids - it is up to you to learn to recognize this and make sure he is properly rewarded (give a good piece of meat) when something or someone "scary" comes up. When an ambulance goes by being loud, try to give your puppy a little piece of meat. When a kid comes flying into the elevator on one of those skateboard scooter things, get your pup out of the way and reward him. Be quick about it. Dogs can become skittish if they are not properly introduced to things. You can also play music for your pup whenever you leave. Try to be creative and constantly think of ways to train your pup to be the best he can be.
Hope that helps! The urban owners definitely have a lot more challenges with puppy raising - but, they most end up doing well because they are so dedicated, and I love that they take their dogs everywhere.
Here are my thoughts about city dog living and loving:
In the mid 90s I did a stint in NYC training on securities. Even though I was a kid from the sticks, I wore that city like a second skin. It’s for walkers, appreciators of buildings / art / history, and those interested in people different from them. I walked those sidewalks so much, my feet bled. Many people there embrace their kooky too... they don’t care if you think their outfit is something out of Beetlejuice, they love it and they’re gonna wear it. Who doesn’t appreciate seeing a freedom like that? It's a place where people barely notice a country kid's twang and improper grammar like "it don't matter", because, well, most everyone was from somewhere different with accents and invented words and combos. It’s a place where everyone is a story. You sit on the subway peeking around at all the stories, some slumped from working all day, others are tourists carrying Saks shopping bags, looking directionally confused. But in the mid 90s the trouble I had with the city, besides not being able to afford it, was the lack of dogs. Yes, there were dogs. Glamorous people would carry them under their arm or late at night a guy making a statement would be walking a Great Dane and something that looked like a grizzly bear and he'd be glaring and daring you to stick your hand out at his dogs. And once in awhile you’d see a dog walker with a pack - and people would oooo and ahhh and take pictures of that, and maybe even buy a postcard of that to send home. But not many and the parks, the green space, were not the gloriousness they are now. It didn’t feel like a place for dogs. While I felt like I belonged in that melting pot, even as a kid from the sticks that had seen only 3 TV channels in her life, I was home sick without dogs. In the 2000s, the city’s dog population must have exploded (they are everywhere!). Not only did people bring more dogs in, the city itself accommodated them more..... no, not accommodated, more like EMBRACED them. The dogs are even frequent subway riders! While a dog in the city is not a good idea for all people and certainly not for all dogs, I am astounded how well dogs have accepted the city and all its hub bub, jack hammers, different languages, and cement. And the city absolutely loves them. They’ve built more parks, allow them at restaurants, and have dog pawty hours everywhere. Before, you were a ghost. People would walk by with their head down and not say hi. In the elevator, with 6 people crammed in, no one said a word to each other. Now, you have a dog in the city and you can’t walk without someone smiling at you (ok at your dog). People in your building actually know your NAME now (or at least your dog's). You go to UWS at 6pm or walk down Riverside or Central Park and it’s like a dream of dogs and people laughing. Sunday morning before 9am in Prospect Park looks like the place I would paint if someone told me to paint heaven.... dogs everywhere, off leash and romping, like hopefully how Rainbow Bridge really exists. In a city that used to be too busy to smile at others scurrying about, it now hesitates. It hesitates to watch, and admire, our furry fluff beloveds. Us humans have even jumped the chasm of solidarity the city offers and have become FRIENDS over our dogs. Play dates are arranged, and the conversation gap is gone. “Hello fellow dog lover, while our dogs sniff butts, how are you today? Did you see that new Broadway show? I swear I saw one of them leave the theater after with a dog! And did you know that high end children’s store on West has a charming doodle mascot? My dog does this (fill in the blank)...does your dog?” We humans are lucky indeed to be blessed with these angels that can change human temperament and big city landscaping. I saw the below picture post on Instagram by @thephotosociety and was reminded how even cooler the city has become and someday I’m going to live there and not be homesick for dogs. To all our city dog owners, I adore you... I don’t care about what my critics say about allowing dogs to go there - they don’t see what I see. City dogs are often more embraced than suburbs because city people take their dogs everywhere, they go to doggie day cares and have dog walkers - and suburbs with kids in sports often leave the dog at home, alone. Don't be offended, my suburban dog owners, it might be far from the truth but honesty with yourself is a tough thing. I also don't walk my dogs 6 times a day and take them to restaurants every night. Yes, I get the benefit of throwing a ball in a safe yard and very convenient hiking, but they go "out" far less than their city friends. Rescues and breeders that don’t allow their dogs to go to the city, or insist on fenced in yards, you’re making a big mistake. A fenced in yard can often mean the dog doesn’t go on adventures. Those of us with fenced in yards (yes me too) get lazy. If it were not for the stalker dogs staring at me nonstop, I’d not go on as many walks as we do because that fence is a convenience. I admire the hard work city dog owners put in to care for their doggie family member. And I really admire how the city itself has embraced them, and in return, have earned some joy. Look at the smiling faces in this photo! All of a sudden everyone in this cafe became "a collective" over their joy of the dogs visiting. When 9/11 happened, crisis bonded strangers in that big city. Dogs are doing the same thing now.... every day. The city is starting to NOTICE people that it didn't before. That kooky lady at the dog park with the 2 corgis or whatever they are? She never would've been noticed before but give her a four legged fluffy smiling angel and BOOM... she now exists. She's no longer anonymous. We actually recognize her, we look at her in the face, and nod our head in greeting and wouldn't you know it, she nods back! Geez, how did we ever earn a gift like that? #doggos (and if you look closely, you can see she has a dog in her backpack LOL)
Let me start with this warning - nothing is 100% safe! Puppies can easily get sick, and even an adult dog will get parasites or germs, or maybe even wounded at dog parks or beaches, or anywhere out and about. You can only do your best, while still providing a good training base and ongoing, cautiously fun adventures.
As for walking outside, you will get a variety of opinions. Most vets in your area will tell you to keep him inside at least until his second round of shots. I guess parvo and lepto is prevalent in NYC/Hoboken because of the rats (and, of course, the crazies that don’t vaccinate their dogs). Even adult dogs will pick up roundworms and other parasites from the dog parks, or really just about anywhere - animals put things in their mouths - horses are wormed frequently and dogs should be too! Keep your puppy on monthly heartwormer preventative with parasite control baked into it (Interceptor is one such good brand) for their entire life.
My recommendation is for at least the first two to three weeks, keep him in the tote bag (we provide one) when you go outside - this is great for socialization and once you teach him to stay in it (just keep one arm in it and also put treats - use the puppy food/kibble - on the bottom), it also is a "safe zone" for him to look around and hear the scary ambulances or subway noises without bolting. Put a hand sanitizer on the tote bag that I will give you (the kind with the rubber clip on it) and ask people to put it on before petting him. I used to tell people to go ahead and do whatever, but we did have 2 puppies in those first two litters get a cold and then pneumonia (in NYC) - so now I am much more cautious. Unfortunately, even if they don’t seem stressed, they are, because they are in a new place and don’t know who you are or where their siblings went. So their immune systems drop to nothing the first few weeks of going home with you. You can use a potty tray or wee pads for inside. You can also get a linoleum remnant for $26 or so at Home Depot or Lowes (this is what I do - for every litter, I use a new one - protects my floors) - I put the pen over the linoleum with the crate and the potty tray (or just wee pads), as well toys, etc. - I know it is not pretty to have in a home, but it is only temporary.
Please note, you can do the "Litter pan" with paper or pine pellets option, OR the potty tray. Sometimes they do better with the litter pellets because it smells like grass, but it is a little bit messy sometimes keeping the pellets in the litter pan (which is just an under the bed rubbermaid type thing). Take a look at the Shopping List for the litter options and the potty tray.
Nature's Miracle spray cleaner - amzn.to/2GGKNRL
Nature's Miracle wipes - amzn.to/2E9Ddd2
Even after second vaccinations (they need at least 3 to 4 rounds), still be careful with being outside - no dog parks, beaches, etc. Wash paws and belly upon coming in (remove your shoes too) - carry him in straight to the sink. Some people use wipes or put sanitizer on a wipe - that’s all fine too. You can only do your best - and nothing is 100% perfect solution.
Some worry about the training aspect of potty inside then train outside - these dogs are smart. It always takes awhile to potty train (months), but as long as you keep your expectations in check and don’t sweat doing some clean up, they ALL eventually learn to potty outside. Most will use a grate (like the ones on the trees or subway) because they think it resembles a potty tray - and all of them like the feel of soft grass to pee on. Some people in the city have use fake grass in the pen set up, and then when they were ready to go outside, they take the fake grass outside until the pup learns. Some put real grass sod on their balconies. Most puppies struggle learning to go on pavement - but, it’s amazing how they do adjust and learn. Another tip is to try to have a “spot” immediately near your outside door, so when it is storming, you can run out to that area and he will know to go quick by habit. But, on nice days, do not just rush him back inside after pottying or else he will not do it because you are ruining his fun always going right back in.
And, of course, do not forget to reward, reward, reward - immediately when done pottying (or even during with your voice, "Good boy, good boy!").
A note on socialization with the bag - your puppy might be scared of new people, or loud people, or loud kids - it is up to you to learn to recognize this and make sure he is properly rewarded (give a good piece of meat) when something or someone "scary" comes up. When an ambulance goes by being loud, try to give your puppy a little piece of meat. When a kid comes flying into the elevator on one of those skateboard scooter things, get your pup out of the way and reward him. Be quick about it. Dogs can become skittish if they are not properly introduced to things. You can also play music for your pup whenever you leave. Try to be creative and constantly think of ways to train your pup to be the best he can be.
Hope that helps! The urban owners definitely have a lot more challenges with puppy raising - but, they most end up doing well because they are so dedicated, and I love that they take their dogs everywhere.
Here are my thoughts about city dog living and loving:
In the mid 90s I did a stint in NYC training on securities. Even though I was a kid from the sticks, I wore that city like a second skin. It’s for walkers, appreciators of buildings / art / history, and those interested in people different from them. I walked those sidewalks so much, my feet bled. Many people there embrace their kooky too... they don’t care if you think their outfit is something out of Beetlejuice, they love it and they’re gonna wear it. Who doesn’t appreciate seeing a freedom like that? It's a place where people barely notice a country kid's twang and improper grammar like "it don't matter", because, well, most everyone was from somewhere different with accents and invented words and combos. It’s a place where everyone is a story. You sit on the subway peeking around at all the stories, some slumped from working all day, others are tourists carrying Saks shopping bags, looking directionally confused. But in the mid 90s the trouble I had with the city, besides not being able to afford it, was the lack of dogs. Yes, there were dogs. Glamorous people would carry them under their arm or late at night a guy making a statement would be walking a Great Dane and something that looked like a grizzly bear and he'd be glaring and daring you to stick your hand out at his dogs. And once in awhile you’d see a dog walker with a pack - and people would oooo and ahhh and take pictures of that, and maybe even buy a postcard of that to send home. But not many and the parks, the green space, were not the gloriousness they are now. It didn’t feel like a place for dogs. While I felt like I belonged in that melting pot, even as a kid from the sticks that had seen only 3 TV channels in her life, I was home sick without dogs. In the 2000s, the city’s dog population must have exploded (they are everywhere!). Not only did people bring more dogs in, the city itself accommodated them more..... no, not accommodated, more like EMBRACED them. The dogs are even frequent subway riders! While a dog in the city is not a good idea for all people and certainly not for all dogs, I am astounded how well dogs have accepted the city and all its hub bub, jack hammers, different languages, and cement. And the city absolutely loves them. They’ve built more parks, allow them at restaurants, and have dog pawty hours everywhere. Before, you were a ghost. People would walk by with their head down and not say hi. In the elevator, with 6 people crammed in, no one said a word to each other. Now, you have a dog in the city and you can’t walk without someone smiling at you (ok at your dog). People in your building actually know your NAME now (or at least your dog's). You go to UWS at 6pm or walk down Riverside or Central Park and it’s like a dream of dogs and people laughing. Sunday morning before 9am in Prospect Park looks like the place I would paint if someone told me to paint heaven.... dogs everywhere, off leash and romping, like hopefully how Rainbow Bridge really exists. In a city that used to be too busy to smile at others scurrying about, it now hesitates. It hesitates to watch, and admire, our furry fluff beloveds. Us humans have even jumped the chasm of solidarity the city offers and have become FRIENDS over our dogs. Play dates are arranged, and the conversation gap is gone. “Hello fellow dog lover, while our dogs sniff butts, how are you today? Did you see that new Broadway show? I swear I saw one of them leave the theater after with a dog! And did you know that high end children’s store on West has a charming doodle mascot? My dog does this (fill in the blank)...does your dog?” We humans are lucky indeed to be blessed with these angels that can change human temperament and big city landscaping. I saw the below picture post on Instagram by @thephotosociety and was reminded how even cooler the city has become and someday I’m going to live there and not be homesick for dogs. To all our city dog owners, I adore you... I don’t care about what my critics say about allowing dogs to go there - they don’t see what I see. City dogs are often more embraced than suburbs because city people take their dogs everywhere, they go to doggie day cares and have dog walkers - and suburbs with kids in sports often leave the dog at home, alone. Don't be offended, my suburban dog owners, it might be far from the truth but honesty with yourself is a tough thing. I also don't walk my dogs 6 times a day and take them to restaurants every night. Yes, I get the benefit of throwing a ball in a safe yard and very convenient hiking, but they go "out" far less than their city friends. Rescues and breeders that don’t allow their dogs to go to the city, or insist on fenced in yards, you’re making a big mistake. A fenced in yard can often mean the dog doesn’t go on adventures. Those of us with fenced in yards (yes me too) get lazy. If it were not for the stalker dogs staring at me nonstop, I’d not go on as many walks as we do because that fence is a convenience. I admire the hard work city dog owners put in to care for their doggie family member. And I really admire how the city itself has embraced them, and in return, have earned some joy. Look at the smiling faces in this photo! All of a sudden everyone in this cafe became "a collective" over their joy of the dogs visiting. When 9/11 happened, crisis bonded strangers in that big city. Dogs are doing the same thing now.... every day. The city is starting to NOTICE people that it didn't before. That kooky lady at the dog park with the 2 corgis or whatever they are? She never would've been noticed before but give her a four legged fluffy smiling angel and BOOM... she now exists. She's no longer anonymous. We actually recognize her, we look at her in the face, and nod our head in greeting and wouldn't you know it, she nods back! Geez, how did we ever earn a gift like that? #doggos (and if you look closely, you can see she has a dog in her backpack LOL)
NYC Dog Info of interest
NYC dog population = a really neat article about NYCs dog population can be found here: NYC EDC - article
Raquel with Hudson (Jada RVD)
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Neptune and Hudson keep "all 4" in the bag for subway rides
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I would like to give credit to Raquel Clubwala (owner of Hudson @hudsonthegoldendoodle) for the tote bag idea - we give every new RVD puppy owner a large LL Bean tote bag to help safely transport and socialize you puppy. LL Bean should pay her a commission ;-)